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Lesson 5 - Core Cricket Skills Circuit

Cricket Skills Foundation

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Year 7

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we develop cricket skills that transfer from practice to match situations?

Learning Objectives

To describe how to perform a number of core skills in cricket with correct technical terminology
To perform batting, bowling, fielding and catching skills using appropriate technique
To analyse self and peer performance giving constructive feedback for improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved technique in at least 3 core cricket skills
Students will use technical vocabulary when describing cricket techniques
Students will provide specific feedback to improve a partner's performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

8-10 (size 5 or 6 for Year 7)

Check for damage, appropriate weight for students

Alternative: Plastic cricket bats, rounders bats

Tennis Balls

30-40

Mix of new and older balls for different activities

Alternative: Wind balls, soft cricket balls

Handballs

Safer for close catching practice

Alternative: Plastic cricket balls, soft play balls

iPads

6-8

Charged, with video recording apps ready

Alternative: Mobile phones, video cameras

Stumps

12 sets (metal, wood, plastic)

Ensure stable base, check for sharp edges

Alternative: Cones with targets, skittles

Cones

Bright colours for visibility, various sizes

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

PE Equipment

2-3

Clean, secure positioning for dive catching

Alternative: Gym mats, crash mats

Hoops

Target areas for bowling accuracy

Alternative: Rope circles, chalked circles

Key Vocabulary

Stance

The position a batsman takes when preparing to face a delivery

Line and Length

The direction and distance a ball travels when bowled

Follow Through

The continuation of movement after releasing the ball when bowling

Slip Catching

Catching technique for balls that deflect off the bat at close range

Long Barrier

Fielding technique using body as a barrier to stop ground balls

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of cricket as a team sport
Experience of working in small groups

Current Skills

Correct batting stance and grip
Accurate bowling technique with consistent line and length
Effective fielding positions and catching techniques

Next Steps

Application of skills in competitive match situations
Tactical awareness and field positioning
Advanced stroke play and bowling variations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact when batting

Bowling hitting target area 6/10 times

Safe catching technique demonstrated

Key Teaching Points

Technique quality is more important than speed or power in all cricket skills
Consistent stance and grip form the foundation of successful batting
Bowling accuracy develops through smooth, repeatable action and follow-through
Effective fielding requires anticipation, quick reactions, and safe technique
Communication and teamwork are essential skills that transfer beyond cricket
Practice with feedback leads to improvement - encourage peer coaching
Safety awareness must be maintained even during competitive activities

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Hitting the ball harder makes you a better batter. Reality: Timing and technique create better contact and control
Misconception: Fast bowling is always better than accurate bowling. Reality: Consistent line and length is more effective than pure speed
Misconception: Catching is just about hand-eye coordination. Reality: Body position, timing, and technique are equally important
Misconception: You need expensive equipment to play cricket well. Reality: Basic equipment and good technique are sufficient for skill development
Misconception: Cricket is too slow or boring for young people. Reality: Circuit training and game modifications create dynamic, engaging activities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter station durations with more frequent rotations, clear boundary markers, regular positive feedback, movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for catching practice, simplified multi-step instructions, extra practice time, focus on effort over outcome

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of station rotations, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, predictable routines, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for navigation, audio signals for rotation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards at stations, hand signals for rotation and feedback

physical disability

Modified equipment sizes, seated catching practice options, adapted distances for throws, alternative scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions and feedback, listening skills during demonstrations

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball flight, physics of bat and ball contact, biomechanics of cricket actions

Geography

Field positioning and spatial awareness, understanding of cricket's global reach and cultural significance

Mathematics

Calculating scores and statistics during competitive circuits, measuring distances for field positions, angles of ball trajectory

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, resilience in face of challenges, fair play and sportsmanship values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all six stations, prioritise high-risk areas for closer supervision

Observation Focus

Monitor technique development, safety compliance, peer interaction, and engagement levels throughout

Intervention Points

["Step in immediately for any safety concerns", "Provide technique corrections when students are struggling", "Manage group dynamics if competition becomes too intense", "Support students who may be losing confidence"]

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, involve confident students as additional demonstrators, repeat key teaching points frequently

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball all the way!'
•'Remember your stance!'
•'Smooth action, don't rush!'
•'Great technique, keep it up!'
•'Help your teammate succeed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall minimum 30m x 20m, or outdoor cricket pitch area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from hazards, appropriate footwear for surface type

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for damage or splinters before use
•Ensure tennis balls and wind balls are in good condition
•Verify stumps are stable and have no sharp edges
•Position high jump mats securely for dive catching station
•iPads kept away from active playing areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between students during activities
•Slips and falls during dynamic movements
•Injury from diving or aggressive fielding attempts
•Bat strikes during batting practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established around each station
•Safe waiting areas marked for non-active students
•Batting practice conducted into nets only
•Dive catching only on proper mats with qualified supervision
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Constant supervision of all high-risk activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all stations simultaneously when possible
•Priority monitoring of batting and dive catching stations
•Regular equipment condition checks throughout lesson
•Ensure students follow rotation procedures safely

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activities immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, send for additional support if needed